Arsenal need to sign a proven striker in the form of Karim Benzema to mount a serious title challenge next season. [Picture: Getty]

Arsenal have been given the go-ahead to sign Karim Benzema with reports saying Real Madrid now want him to join the Gunners, according to Metro.

Reports have it that Benzema has been the subject of two bids from Arsenal this summer – the first being £31.5million while the second is said to be in the region of £41.8million.

Benzema tops Arsene Wenger’s transfer wish-list this summer despite the Arsenal manager dismissing reports linking the striker to the Emirates on several occasions.

The report also says that Arsenal are set to break their transfer record – which is currently held by former Real Madrid star Mesut Ozil, by signing Benzema for a fee believed to be in the region of £45.8million.

Arsenal however, won’t have it all easy in the race to sign Benzema, with fellow Premier League rival Manchester United also reported to be in the race for the 27-year-old’s signature.